Regenerative power capture system for endless track escalators and moving walkways

ABSTRACT

Power is recovered from an escalator or a moving walkway as the step orbits an endless track on rollers. A generator is connected to a roller orbiting the track. A battery backup is provided. The power is used for emergency lighting on the step, and for data transmission. Advertising and messages are displayed on a dynamic video screen mounted on the step. The apparatus is mostly contained within the escalator step. Information is communicated wirelessly to a remotely located central control station and back to the step, so as to display information in real time and to update advertising while the escalator is in operation. The central control station also monitors performance parameters. The visual display can include LED lighting.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed technologies are directed to an apparatus andmethod for harnessing the drive power of escalators for auxiliary uses,and more specifically, for regeneratively capturing some of the drivepower of escalators and moving walkways to power communications, safetydisplays, and advertising on board the steps as the escalator isoperating.

BACKGROUND

An escalator is an inherently dangerous machine. In the United Statesalone, approximately 12,000 accidents occur annually. Many of theseincidents could be avoided with improved safety displays and warnings.

An escalator is also an ideal venue for advertising to riders who aretemporarily unoccupied and undistracted by store displays. The message,whether for safety or for marketing, must be easily viewable by anobserver on the escalator or the floor.

An escalator must be shut down periodically for preventive maintenance.If a component fails during operation, the machine must be stopped,which is an inconvenience. In a busy retail center, the escalator wouldbe unavailable to elderly and handicapped people. There may also besafety and liability implications.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus capable of displayingindicia and video messages on a moving escalator or walkway.

There is a further need for an apparatus of the type described, and thatcan provide monitoring of important technical parameters to warn ofimpending failure.

There is a yet further need for an apparatus of the type described, andthat can recover regenerative power from the moving steps for themessages and monitoring.

The present invention is directed toward fulfilling the above-mentionedneeds, as well as other needs, and overcoming various disadvantagesknown in the art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a regenerative power capture system is provided forendless track escalators and moving walkways. The system comprises astep having a tread extending generally horizontally from a front edgeto an opposite rear edge. The step extends between opposite right andleft ends. The step is adapted for orbital mounting on the track. Aplurality of rollers is attached to the step. The rollers are mountedfor movement on the track, and are for supporting the step on the track.

A step control is disposed on the step, for processing data. A powersupply is mounted on the step and operatively electrically connected tothe step control, for supplying electrical power.

A central control is located remotely from the step, for programmingdata to be transferred. A step communicator is operatively electricallyconnected to the step control for data transfer. A central communicatoris operatively electrically connected to the central control for datatransfer with the step communicator.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed for regeneratively capturingpower for endless track escalators and moving walkways. The escalatorsand moving walkways have a plurality of steps mounted for orbital motionon the track. Each step has a tread, and a plurality of rollers. Themethod comprises disposing a step control on each step, for processingdata. Electrical power is supplied operatively electrically to the stepcontrol with a power supply.

A central control is located remotely from the step. The central controlis used for programming data. A step communicator is connectedoperatively electrically to the step control. A central communicator isconnected operatively electrically to the central control. Data istransferred between the central communicator and the step communicator.

These and other aspects and advantages of the disclosed technologieswill become apparent from the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary step for aregenerative power capture system constructed in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the regenerative powercapture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top front perspective view of the regenerativepower capture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom rear perspective view of the regenerativepower capture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a tread for the regenerative power capturesystem of FIG. 1, showing an LED array displaying a message.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the tread of FIG. 5, showing avideo screen displaying a message

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the tread of FIG. 5, showing the LED arraydisplaying another message.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the tread of FIG. 7, showing thevideo screen displaying another message.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the step control for theregenerative power capture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the central control for theregenerative power capture system of FIG. 1.

It should be noted that the drawings herein are not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Describing now in further detail these exemplary embodiments withreference to the Figures as described above, a regenerative powercapture system 20 is for use in connection with endless track escalatorsand moving walkways. The system 20 comprises a step 22 having a tread 24extending generally horizontally from a front edge 26 to an oppositerear edge 28. The step 22 extends between opposite right 30 and left 32ends. In the case of an escalator, the step 22 has a riser 34 extendingupward from a lower edge 36 to an opposite upper edge 38. The riser 34extends between opposite right 35 and left 37 ends. The tread rear 28 isadjacent the riser upper edge 38. The step 22 is adapted for orbitalmounting on the track (not shown). In the case of a moving walkway, thestep has no riser but is structurally similar, and is mounted fororbital motion on a track.

A plurality of rollers 40 is rotatably attached to the step 22 andmounted for rolling movement on the track. The rollers 40 are forsupporting the step 22 on the track. Specifically, a right leadingroller 42 and a left leading roller 44 are mounted for rotation adjacentthe tread front edge right end 30 and left end 32, respectively.Similarly, a right trailing roller 46 and a left trailing roller 48 aremounted for rotation adjacent the riser lower edge right end 35 and leftend 37, respectively. Each roller 40 has typically two bearings formounting the roller rotatably to the step. The bearings are not shownbecause they are internally mounted, a configuration known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

A step control 50 is disposed on the step 22 for processing data. Thestep control 50 is inside the housing 50. Details of the circuitry forthe step control 50 are not shown, but are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art. The step control 50 includes a centralprocessor unit 50A and a memory 50B inside the housing 50. Details ofthe circuitry for the central processor unit 50A and memory 50B are notshown, but are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A stepcommunicator 52 inside the housing 50 is operatively electricallyconnected to the step control 50 for data transfer. Details of thecircuitry for the step communicator 52 are not shown, but are well knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. The step communicator 52 iswireless, and typically is an RF transceiver. An antenna 53 is providedfor the step communicator 52. Alternate means for communicating data canbe employed, such as for example infrared or microwave.

A power supply 54 is mounted on the step 22 for supplying electricalpower. The power supply 54 has at least one electrical generator 56operatively connected to at least one of the rollers 40. The generator56 generates electrical power as the step 22 orbits the track. Thegenerator 56 is typically integral with the roller 40. Preferably, afirst generator 56A is integral with a first roller, for example leftleading roller 44, and a second generator 56B is integral with a secondroller, for example right leading roller 42. Alternatively, thegenerator 56 can be external to the roller 40 and connected by shaft,belt, gears, or other means (not shown).

Another configuration would be to connect two collinear rollers to onegenerator. Yet another configuration would be to mount a fifth rollerrotatably attached to the step 22 and mounted for rolling movement onthe track. The fifth roller (not shown) would be dedicated to thegenerator. Still another configuration would be to connect several stepstogether with flexible wiring. Only one step need be equipped with agenerator to power all the connected steps. The generator 56 has aconnection 56C shown in FIG. 2. Wiring is not shown in the drawingFigures, but is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The power supply 54 has a power converter 54B operatively electricallyconnected to the generator 56 for regulating power. The power supply 54has a rechargeable battery 54A operatively electrically connected to thepower converter 54B. The battery 54A is for backup power in the event ofpower failure, such as a generator malfunction. In this application,“operatively electrically connected,” means either hard-wired orwireless. Alternatively, the power supply 54 can include a generator 56but no battery.

A central control 58 is located remotely from the step 22, as forexample in a room distant from the escalator. The central control 58 isfor programming data to be transferred to and received from the stepcontrol 50. The central control 58 includes a central processor unit 60,a memory 62, an interface 64 which is typically a keyboard and a mouseand a monitor, and a data input unit 66. The data input unit 66 can bean optical drive for reading a DVD, or it can be a live feed from atelevision camera. The data input unit 66 can be any device capable ofconveying data to the central control 58. A central communicator 68 isoperatively electrically connected to the central control 58 and is usedfor data transfer with the step communicator 52. The centralcommunicator 68 is wireless, and typically is an RF transceiver.

A visual display 70 is provided, and includes a plurality of LEDs 72disposed in an LED array on the step 22 and connected to the stepcontrol 50. The LEDs 72 are typically for displaying data and forsafety. The LEDs 72 can also be used for purely aesthetic display, withno particular message. The data can include text spelled out, or otherimages, in a pattern of LED lamps. The text can convey messagesregarding sales events, advertising, store location, publicpresentations, or other information. Safety uses include emergencyinstructions in the event of building power failure, or fire, and caninform observers of exit locations. Safety uses can also includeilluminating the boundary of the escalator and the edges of the steptread, so that riders are less likely to trip.

In the case of an escalator, a visual display 70 can also include adigital video screen 74 mounted on the step 22 and juxtaposed with theriser 34 behind a transparent and rugged protective cover 76. Thedigital video screen 74 is connected to the step control 50 fordisplaying of data. Digital video data can include advertising witheither static displays or dynamic motion picture commercials. Video datacan also include messages or aesthetic presentations. Video data can bepresented from a recorded source such as a DVD or tape recording fedinto the central control data input unit 66. The recorded presentationcan be programmed to repeat, or to switch to another recording. Videodata can be from a live feed, such as a television camera (not shown)covering a live demonstration of cooking, fashion, sports, news, and thelike.

Observers who are not riding the escalator, but are standing or walkingon the floor near the lower landing will be able to observe the visualdisplay 70. The same message can be displayed on every step.Alternatively, a different message can be displayed on every step.Another alternative is to spread a single message over several steps,for example three steps. In this embodiment, in a first mode, themessage can move with the steps. In a second mode, the message cancontinuously transfer to the next upper or lower step as the steps move,so that the message appears to be generally stationary as the steps movedownward or upward, respectively.

In the case of a moving walkway, a visual display 70 can also include adigital video screen mounted on the step 22 and juxtaposed with thetread 24 behind a transparent and rugged protective cover (not shown).As described above, the digital video screen is connected to the stepcontrol 50 for displaying of data. The visual display in this case wouldmost likely not be used for advertising, but for safety illumination orfor aesthetic displays.

The housing 50, which contains the step control 50 and step communicator52, is attached to the front of mounting plate 55. The digital videoscreen 74 is attached to the rear of mounting plate 55, facing the riser34.

Performance parameters can be fed back to the central control 58 to bemonitored. Parameters of the step control can include CPU activity andmemory use. The visual display 70 can be monitored for color, contrast,pixel failure, and many other graphic parameters. The power converter54B, the battery 54A, and the generator 56 can be monitored for voltage,current, battery charge, and failure of any components. All performanceparameters are constantly monitored. Any problem detected is telemeteredback to the central control 58 and displayed.

The rollers 40 typically have two bearings (not shown) mountedinternally. The function of the bearings for the rollers can also bemonitored. Vibration sensors 78 mounted on the step 22 adjacent eachbearing, as shown in FIG. 2, can detect abnormal vibrations that presagea bearing failure. Such a failure can result in a shutdown and expensiverepair, and possibly can have safety implications for the riders. Onepossible mode would be to monitor each bearing for a predetermined timeperiod, for example, 15 seconds. Each roller would then be checked onceper minute. Each step would telemeter data on a separate channel. Thebearings will exhibit a characteristic “signature” vibration offrequency, amplitude, and other parameters of normal operation. Themonitored readings will be compared to normal values, and any deviationwill suggest an impending failure. Corrective maintenance can then becarried out with little or no disruption of service.

Escalators typically utilize a comb (not shown) at the entrance and exitplatforms. The comb is a serrated strip having projecting fingers thatengage the grooves in the step. The step 22 of the invention includes acomb sensor 80 operatively electrically connected to the step control50. The comb sensor 80 will detect operating conditions of a comb, suchas for example, a shoelace caught in the fingers. The comb sensor 80will detect malfunction of a comb, such as for example a broken fingeror debris stuck between fingers. The comb sensor 80 typically willutilize a linear array of photo sensitive detectors 80 disposed betweengrooves underneath the front edge of each step. The detectors 80 respondto ambient light directed downward. The detector circuitry is timed tosense the light or absence of light as the detector array is juxtaposedwith each comb. The combs are constantly monitored. Any problem detectedis telemetered back to the central control and displayed. The combsensor 80 can employ alternative sensors, for example, proximitysensors.

A vibrating transducer 82 can be attached to the underside of the step22. The transducer is adapted for generating an acoustic signal. In onemode, the transducer 82 will vibrate the step 22 when approaching alanding platform to warn of the approaching landing. The vibration willtravel through the rider's feet. This safety feature will warn riders toanticipate stepping off. In another mode, the transducer 82 willreproduce sound to accompany the video display. Typically, the soundfrom a particular step will be directed upward to be heard by the rideron that step.

A method is disclosed for regeneratively capturing power for endlesstrack escalators and moving walkways. A plurality of steps 22 is mountedfor orbital motion on the track. Each step 22 has a tread 24 and aplurality of rollers 40. The method comprises disposing a step control50 on each step, for processing data. Electrical power is suppliedoperatively electrically to the step control with a power supply 54. Astep communicator 52 is operatively electrically connected to the stepcontrol 50.

A central control 58 is located remotely from the step 22, and is usedto program data. A central communicator 68 is operatively electricallyconnected to the central control 58. Data is transferred between thecentral communicator 68 and the step communicator 52.

The method further comprises connecting an electrical generator 56operatively to at least one of the rollers 40. Electrical power isgenerated with the generator 56 as the step orbits the track. A powerconverter 54B is operatively electrically connected to the generator 56and the step control 50. Power is regulated with the power converter54B. A battery 54A is operatively electrically connected to the powerconverter 54B for backing up power in the event of power failure. Thegenerator 56 is integrated with the roller 40.

The step control 50 is provided with a central processor unit 50A and amemory 50B. The central control 58 is provided with a central processorunit 60, a memory 62, an interface 64, and a data input unit 66. Data istransferred wirelessly between the central communicator 68 and the stepcommunicator 52. The central communicator 68 uses an RF signal fortransmitting and receiving. The step communicator 52 also uses an RFsignal for transmitting and receiving. Parameters of the step control50; the power converter 54B; the battery 54A; and the generator 56 aremonitored with the central control 58.

The method further comprises extending a riser 34 upward from a loweredge 36 of the step to an opposite upper edge 38. A visual display 70including a digital video screen 74 is juxtaposed with the riser 34. Thevisual display 70 is operatively electrically connected to the stepcontrol 50 for displaying data.

Another aspect of the visual display 70 includes arraying a plurality ofLEDs 72 on the step in an LED array. The LED array is operativelyelectrically connected to the step control. The LED array is fordisplaying data and safety lighting.

A comb sensor 80 is connected operatively electrically to the stepcontrol 50. The comb sensor 80 is used for detecting malfunction of acomb.

The method further comprises encoding the data so as to preclude hackinginto the step control 50 and the central control 58.

A plurality of bearings is provided for mounting the rollers to thestep. Vibration sensors 78 are provided adjacent each bearing. Thevibration sensors 78 are connected to the step control 50. Bearingvibrations are detected with the vibration sensors. Vibration data iscommunicated to the central control, so as to predict a bearing failure.

A transducer 82 is mounted to the step 22. The transducer 82 is adaptedfor generating an acoustic signal. The transducer 82 vibrates the step22 when approaching a landing, so as to warn riders of the approachinglanding. The transducer 82 can also be used to reproduce sound toaccompany the video display.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Variouspresently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by thoseskilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by thefollowing claims.

1. A regenerative power capture system for endless track escalators andmoving walkways, the system comprising: a plurality of steps, each stephaving a tread extending generally horizontally from a front edge to anopposite rear edge, the step extending between opposite right and leftends, the step being adapted for orbital mounting on an endless track; aplurality of rollers attached to said plurality of steps and adapted forrolling movement on the track; a step control disposed on at least oneof said plurality of steps, for processing data; and a power supplymounted on at least one of said plurality of steps and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control, for supplying electricalpower.
 2. The regenerative power capture system of claim 1, wherein thepower supply further comprises: an electrical generator operativelyconnected to at least one of the rollers, for generating electricalpower as the step orbits the track; a power converter operativelyelectrically connected to the generator for regulating electrical power;and a battery operatively electrically connected to the power converterfor backup electrical power in the event of power failure.
 3. Theregenerative power capture system of claim 2, wherein the generator isintegral with the roller.
 4. The regenerative power capture system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a visual display including a plurality ofLEDs disposed in an LED array on at least one of said plurality ofsteps, the LED array being operatively electrically connected to thestep control and receiving commands from the step control; wherein thevisual display is selected from the group consisting of data display,safety display, and aesthetic display.
 5. The regenerative power capturesystem of claim 2, further comprising: a visual display disposed on atleast one of said plurality of steps for displaying data; a centralcontrol located remotely from the step, the central control beingadapted for exchanging data with the step control, the central controlhaving a central processor unit, a memory, an interface, and a datainput unit, the central control being adapted to monitor parameters ofthe step control, and the visual display, and the power converter, andthe battery, and the generator, the central control being adapted forprogramming data to be transferred to the step control; the step controlincludes a central processor unit and a memory; a step communicatormounted on at least one of said plurality of steps and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for data transfer, the stepcommunicator being a wireless transceiver; and a central communicatoroperatively electrically connected to the central control for datatransfer with the step communicator, the central communicator being awireless transceiver.
 6. The regenerative power capture system of claim5, wherein the visual display further comprises a digital video screenmounted on the step for displaying data and operatively electricallyconnected to the step control and receiving commands from the stepcontrol.
 7. The regenerative power capture system of claim 5, furthercomprising: the step includes a riser extending upward from a lower edgeto an opposite upper edge, and the tread extends generally horizontallyfrom a front edge to an opposite rear edge at the riser upper edge; andthe visual display includes a digital video screen juxtaposed with theriser and operatively electrically connected to the step control forreceiving commands from the step control; wherein the visual display isselected from the group consisting of data display, safety display, andaesthetic display.
 8. The regenerative power capture system of claim 1,further comprising an acoustic transducer attached to the step andadapted for generating an acoustic signal, the transducer beingoperatively electrically connected to the step control for receivingacoustic signal commands.
 9. The regenerative power capture system ofclaim 5, further comprising: a plurality of bearings for mounting therollers to the step; and vibration sensors adjacent each bearing fordetecting vibrations so as to predict a bearing failure, the vibrationsensors being operatively electrically connected to the step control forcommunicating bearing vibration data to the central control.
 10. Theregenerative power capture system of claim 5, further comprising a combsensor connected to the step for detecting operating conditions of acomb, the comb sensor being operatively electrically connected to thestep control for communicating comb data to the central control.
 11. Aregenerative power capture system for endless track escalators andmoving walkways, the system comprising: a plurality of steps, each stephaving a tread, the step being adapted for orbital mounting on anendless track; a visual display mounted on at least one of saidplurality of steps for displaying data; a step control disposed on atleast one of said plurality of steps and operatively electricallyconnected to the visual display, the step control having a centralprocessor unit and a memory for processing data, the step control beingadapted for sending data to the visual display; and a power supplymounted on at least one of said plurality of steps and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control, for supplying electricalpower.
 12. The regenerative power capture system of claim 11, furthercomprising: a central control located remotely from the step saidplurality of steps, the central control being adapted for exchangingdata with control, the central control having a central processor unit,a memory, an interface, and a data input unit, the central control beingadapted to monitor parameters of the step control, and the visualdisplay, and power supply, the central control being adapted forprogramming data to be transferred to the step control; a stepcommunicator mounted on at least one of said plurality of steps andoperatively electrically connected to the step control for datatransfer, the step communicator being a wireless transceiver; and acentral communicator operatively electrically connected to the centralcontrol for data transfer with the step communicator, the centralcommunicator being a wireless transceiver.
 13. The regenerative powercapture system of claim 12, further comprising: the step includes ariser extending upward from a lower edge to an opposite upper edge, andthe tread extends generally horizontally from a front edge to anopposite rear edge at the riser upper edge; and the visual displayincludes a digital video screen juxtaposed with the riser andoperatively electrically connected to the step control for receivingcommands from the step control; wherein the visual display is selectedfrom the group consisting of data display, safety display, and aestheticdisplay.
 14. The regenerative power capture system of claim 12, furthercomprising: the visual display includes a plurality of LEDs disposed inan LED array on at least one of said plurality of steps, the LED arraybeing operatively electrically connected to the step control andreceiving commands from the step control; wherein the visual display isselected from the group consisting of data display, safety display, andaesthetic display.
 15. The regenerative power capture system of claim11, further comprising an acoustic transducer attached to the step andadapted for generating an acoustic signal, the transducer beingoperatively electrically connected to the step control for receivingacoustic signal commands.
 16. The regenerative power capture system ofclaim 12, further comprising: a plurality of bearings for mounting therollers to the step; and vibration sensors adjacent each bearing fordetecting vibrations so as to predict a bearing failure, the vibrationsensors being operatively electrically connected to the step control forcommunicating bearing vibration data to the central control.
 17. Theregenerative power capture system of claim 12, wherein the step furthercomprises a comb sensor connected to the step and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for detecting operatingconditions of a comb.
 18. A method for regeneratively capturing powerfor endless track escalators and moving walkways having a plurality ofsteps mounted for orbital motion on a track, each step having a tread,each step having a plurality of rollers, the method comprising:disposing a step control on at least one of said plurality of steps, forprocessing data; mounting a power supply on at least one of saidplurality of steps and supplying electrical power operativelyelectrically to the step control with the power supply; locating acentral control remotely from the step, and programming data with thecentral control; mounting a step communicator on at least one of saidplurality of steps and connecting the step communicator operativelyelectrically to the step control; and connecting a central communicatoroperatively electrically to the central control and transferring databetween the central communicator and the step communicator.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the mounting a power supply on at least oneof said plurality of steps further comprises: mounting an electricalgenerator on at least one of said plurality of steps and connecting theelectrical generator operatively to at least one of the rollers;generating electrical power with the generator as the step orbits thetrack; mounting a power converter on at least one of said plurality ofsteps and connecting the power converter operatively electrically to thegenerator and the step control; regulating power with the powerconverter; and mounting a battery on at least one of said plurality ofsteps and connecting the battery operatively electrically to the powerconverter for backing up power in the event of power failure.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising integrating the generator withthe roller.
 21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: providingthe step control with a central processor unit and a memory; providingthe central control with a central processor unit, a memory, aninterface, and a data input unit; and transferring data wirelesslybetween the central communicator and the step communicator.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising monitoring parameters of the stepcontrol, the power converter, the battery, and the generator with thecentral control.
 23. The method of claim 18, further comprising:mounting a visual display including a digital video screen on at leastone of said plurality of steps; connecting the visual displayoperatively electrically to the step control and displaying data withthe visual display; selecting the visual display from the groupconsisting of data display, safety display, and aesthetic display; andmonitoring parameters of the visual display with the central control.24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: extending a riser upwardfrom a lower edge of the step to an opposite upper edge; and juxtaposingthe digital video screen with the riser.
 25. The method of claim 24,further comprising: spreading a single dynamic presentation over aplurality of steps on the digital video screens of the plurality ofsteps; and transferring the single dynamic presentation generallycontinuously to adjacent steps as the steps move in one of an upward anddownward direction, so that the presentation appears to be generallystationary as the steps move.
 26. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising: disposing a plurality of LEDs on at least one of saidplurality of steps in an LED array; connecting the LED array operativelyelectrically to the step control; displaying a visual display with theLED array; relaying visual display commands from the step control to theLED array; selecting the visual display from the group consisting ofdata display, safety display, and aesthetic display; and monitoringparameters of the LED array with the central control.
 27. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: mounting a comb sensor to the step;connecting the comb sensor operatively electrically to the step control;detecting operating conditions of a comb with the comb sensor; andcommunicating the operating conditions data to the central control. 28.The method of claim 21, further comprising: mounting the rollers to saidplurality of steps with a plurality of bearings; providing vibrationsensors adjacent each bearing and connecting the vibration sensors tothe step control; detecting vibrations with the vibration sensors; andcommunicating vibration data to the central control, so as to predict abearing failure.
 29. The method of claim 18, further comprising:mounting an acoustic transducer to at least one of said plurality ofsteps; connecting the transducer operatively electrically to the stepcontrol; generating an acoustic signal with the acoustic transducerresponsive to signal commands from the step control.
 30. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising encoding the data so as to preclude hackinginto the step control and the central control.
 31. A regenerative powercapture system for endless track escalators and moving walkways, thesystem comprising: a step having a tread extending generallyhorizontally from a front edge to an opposite rear edge, the stepextending between opposite right and left ends, the step being adaptedfor orbital mounting on an endless track; a plurality of rollersattached to the step and adapted for rolling movement on the track; astep control connected to the step for processing data, the step controlhaving a central processor unit and a memory; a power supply connectedto the step and operatively electrically connected to the step control,for supplying electrical power; an electrical generator operativelyconnected to at least one of the rollers, for generating electricalpower as the step orbits the track; a power converter operativelyelectrically connected to the generator for regulating electrical power;a battery operatively electrically connected to the power converter forbackup electrical power in the event of power failure; a visual displaymounted on the step for displaying data; a central control locatedremotely from the step, the central control being adapted for exchangingdata with the step control, the central control having a centralprocessor unit, a memory, an interface, and a data input unit, thecentral control being adapted to monitor parameters of the step control,and the visual display, and the power converter, and the battery, andthe generator, the central control being adapted for programming data tobe transferred to the step control; a step communicator operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for data transfer, the stepcommunicator being a wireless transceiver; and a central communicatoroperatively electrically connected to the central control for datatransfer with the step communicator, the central communicator being awireless transceiver.